Comments on: Aldrin campaigns for Lampson

By: Donald F. Robertson

Donald F. Robertson — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:04:31 +0000

Perhaps not, Greg, but I’ll bet he does not believe that you can effectively automate geological field work on a distant planet — which is far less likely than “getting energy out of cosmic rays.”

— Donald

By: Greg Kuperberg

Greg Kuperberg — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 03:13:31 +0000

He doesn’t say anything terribly surprising: he argues for continued support for manned spaceflight and increased funding for NASA, and also calls for eliminating “a space flight gap” between the end of the shuttle program and the introduction of Orion: words that echo those of another Texan, albeit a Republican, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

But does he also want to get energy out of cosmic rays, as Hutchison does?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:27:21 +0000

Actually, Lampson will have much better odds holding the district if he remains with the Democrats. Republicans genuinely detest him and were he to switch parties, he would find himself facing a party-financed primary opponent in early 2008, with no Democrats willing to back him up. He will certainly face a strong challenge in 2008, but by remaining with the Democrats, he will at least have access to money and organizational power.

Besides, there are a great many Republican-leaning districts in Texas where conservative Democrats hold office without too much trouble.

By: Mark R. Whittington

Mark R. Whittington — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 22:33:33 +0000

There’s also a rumor that Lampson, if elected, intends to switch parties. It will make the House Democratic Caucus fiery with rage (especially if the balance in the House is real close), but it is likely the only way Lampson would avoid being a one term Congressman.

By: Mark R Whittington

Mark R Whittington — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 19:03:02 +0000

Actually, the latest Houston Chronicle poll shows Lampson even with the GOP write in candidate. Considering how such polls usually over sample Democrats, Buzz may have backed the wrong horse.

By: Charles Phillips

Charles Phillips — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:42:56 +0000

Aldrin may just be jumping on the likely winner’s wagon, since Lampson has an excellent chance of winning. If Lampson does win, Aldrin might have some influence with him?

Everyone is the Houston area has to support several constituents: the Johnson Space Center, the airplanes at Ellington Field, etc. I have not heard any of the candidates discuss HOW they would do anything such as reduce the planned gap in (US) manned flight. They don’t dare suggest a source of additional funding for instance.

Charles

disclaimer: I am a volunteer in the Lampson campaign, but a minor one who is just folds envelopes, without any sort of inner access